Pronunciation: [sˈand wˈɛd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the golf club called "sand wedge" is /sænd wɛdʒ/. The word "sand" begins with the phoneme /s/ followed by the diphthong /æ/. The final consonant in "sand" is silent, but it affects the vowel sound in the next syllable which is pronounced with the open-mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/ and starts with the fricative /dʒ/. Overall, the word is spelled with "s", "a", "n", "d", "w", "e", "d", "g", "e".
A sand wedge is a type of golf club designed specifically for use in sandy areas, such as bunkers, in order to help players extricate the ball from these challenging conditions. It is one of the clubs in a standard set of golf clubs, typically used for short approaches to the green and recovery shots from sand and other challenging lies.
The sand wedge is characterized by its high loft angle, usually around 54 to 56 degrees, which allows the ball to be lifted easily out of sand or other soft surfaces. The head of a sand wedge is typically wider and heavier than other irons, with a rounded leading edge and a wide sole to prevent the club from digging too deeply into the sand.
When playing from bunkers, golfers employ a specific technique called a "splash" or "explosion" shot, in which the sand wedge is used to strike the sand directly behind the ball, propelling it out of the bunker. The high loft of the club helps create the necessary lift and spin to control the trajectory and distance of the shot.
The sand wedge is considered an essential tool in a golfer's arsenal, as it provides the necessary loft and design features to tackle the challenges encountered in sand bunkers. It is often used by professionals and amateurs alike to execute precise shots, helping them navigate difficult terrain and improve their overall performance on the course.
The term "sand wedge" originated in golf terminology. It refers to a type of golf club commonly used to hit shots out of sand bunkers.
Etymologically, "sand" refers to the granular substance found on beaches, shorelines, or deserts, composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. The word "wedge" refers to a triangular-shaped tool typically used for splitting or cutting objects apart. In the context of a golf club, a wedge is a type of club with a lofted face, used for hitting high shots with a steep trajectory.
The name "sand wedge" comes from the club's specific function of allowing golfers to extract a ball from a sand bunker, as the lofted face and design help lift the ball out of the sand. The club's design is especially useful in dealing with the challenging conditions of sand bunkers.
